European Union

By Maxence Peniguet

Last night was the night. Between little phrases and important decisions, the European Council, met in Brussels these past two days, to discuss and decide on major changes to the Lisbon treaty.

AEGEE (Association des États Généraux des Étudiants de l’Europe) one of the largest and most famous youth association in Europe is celebrating today its 25th Anniversary! It was founded on 16 April 1985 in Paris by young Europeans striving for the development of European integration and the creation of a true European nation.

Embracing the integration of Eastern Europe after the fall of the Berlin Wall, the European Students’ Forum, as it is also called, initiated European-wide initiatives such as the Erasmus Student Exchanges and played a strategic role in the recognition of non-formal education.

25 years on, the AEGEE is now well established and already focused on its new project “Beyond Europe – Perspectives for Tomorrow’s World”, where young European will focus on the research and understanding of European influence on world affairs.

Cafebabel Brussels wishes a Happy Birthday to AEGEE!

Take the floor!
In favour or against the accession of Turkey to the EU?
What is really at stake?
What changes can Turkish people living in Europe expect?

The next Café Babel Brussels debate takes place Tuesday December 8 at 6.30 p.m. at Brasserie Duc de Brabant, 89 Avenue Chazal in Schaerbeek.

7 p.m. First rumors are spreading like fire

By Pia Menning, Marinka De Rycke and Michael Aurori

Rumors among the press members are getting more concrete.

An Analysis by Waldo Vanderhaeghen

The past months many angry workers voiced their discontent with workers from other European countries ‘stealing’ their jobs. The economic crisis is taking its toll on employment and public opinion. However understandable this opinion is, policy makers should not give in to impulsive reactions. The migrant worker is also a human being, also adds economic value and migrants have become citizens, part of, and contributing to, Europe’s societies. A report from Brussels ‘down-under’, a city flooded with European migrant workers but benefiting the most from them.

Episode 1 - “Get Ready ! Here they come !”

In the middle of the crisis, European heads of state gathered this Sunday in Brussels to try once again to speak with the same voice. Meanwhile, a few members of Café Babel Brussels got an opportunity to see the behind the scenes of one of these summit meetings. For the heads of states’ entrance, Anna and Elisanda are tried to find some room to catch a glimpse of our leaders. Do not miss the rest of our babelian’s adventures at the summit to be published later on this week. An occasion to learn more about those European press conferences.

European Voice, in partnership with cafebabel Brussels, organises its 10th postgraduate EU Studies Fair this Saturday, February 7th. A one-day event and workshop bringing together prospective students, universities and academic institutions offering postgraduate programmes in EU and International Relations, Business and Law.